Woodlands in the word Devotional: January 15-21

“What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” (Matthew 8:27b)

It was a fair question. Christ’s disciples were terrified by the storm that had kicked up at sea. In fact, they were convinced this raging squall would be the death of them all. Jesus was not so concerned. He was taking a nap.

But not for long. After watching Jesus heal the man with leprosy and the centurion’s servant, the disciples had some sense of His power. They knew who to wake up when things got rough! Still, they were amazed when Jesus, by the power of His words, calmed the storm. Jesus spoke and the wind, sea and sky obeyed their Maker’s voice.

Christ is our Maker as well. But we don’t always obey His voice as readily as the storm did. Sometimes we exercise our free will to disobey God. I’m so thankful for His unconditional love and endless mercy! “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9)

But if we are sincere about following Christ, we don’t want to live in disobedience. We want to bring glory to God. We want to invite His blessings. We want to store up treasures in heaven. So how do we keep our eyes on Christ?

By remembering who God is as we worship Him; the one true God who is eternal, all-powerful, holy and just (to name just a few of His attributes). And by remembering who we are. Apart from Christ, we are temporal, powerless and sinful. As Acts 17:28 says “for in Him we live, and move, and exist.”

And by heeding David’s instructions in Psalm 4:4-5.

“Tremble, and do not sin;

Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,

And trust in the Lord.”

What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him? According to John 1, He is God. He is the Word who was made flesh and sent to live on earth. He is the originator, the creator, of all things. And He continues to display His glory day to day.

Dear Father,

By your power, help me to hear and obey your voice, moment by moment. When I’m tempted to disobey, remind me of Your goodness toward me.